Caramel flakes....card decay ?

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Posted By: Patrick McMenemy

A relatively recent thread mentioned the fact that E98s frequently have fronts prone to flake. That thread got me thinking about other sets that are likely to be found with fronts that flake. The only other set that is similar that I'm aware of is the 1912 Zeenuts.

What elements do these 2 sets share that cause the fronts to flake compared to other E cards? Poor quality paper....direct exposure to caramel...higher concentration of sugar in the packaged caramel that created "card decay"....perhaps an extended period of being exposed to moisture or heat...or perhaps many were owned by a single collector, and that collection was water damaged.

Any other sets with this problem? Any other thoughts?


Patrick